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SSEN submits Needs Case to Ofgem for Orkney transmission link

The Solution would deliver up to 220MW of new capacity, allowing new renewable generation on Orkney to connect to the GB transmission network.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), operating as Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission under licence, has today submitted to the energy regulator, Ofgem, a Strategic Wider Works (SWW) ‘Final Needs Case’ for a subsea cable transmission link from Orkney to the Scottish mainland. The network reinforcement is required to enable renewable generation seeking to connect on Orkney access to the GB market, allowing Orkney to unlock its vast renewables potential.

Orkney has become one of Britain’s leading centres for innovation in renewable energy and is home to some of Europe’s greatest renewable resources, from onshore wind to wave and tidal. Following the significant growth in small-scale renewable electricity generation over recent years, the existing Orkney electricity network is at full capacity and no further generation can connect without significant network reinforcements.

Pending regulatory approval, SSEN’s proposed solution would deliver a phased approach to reinforcement, which will initially deliver a single 220kV subsea cable in October 2022, followed by a second cable of similar specification once further generation has committed and the economic case has been made for the further investment.

In the Needs Case, SSEN presents a comprehensive analysis of the investment options available to meet a range of credible future generation scenarios on the Orkney Islands. This analysis concludes that the ‘tipping point’ to justify the investment for the first cable is no more than 70MW, the point at which the cost of the investment is exceeded by the benefits of the renewable energy supplied to energy consumers. SSEN’s analysis has been assessed by both National Grid, as the System Operator, and independent economic consultants.

SSEN is therefore requesting a conditional approval of the Needs Case from Ofgem subject to demonstration that 70MW of generation has been committed to by developers.

As part of its business case, SSEN is proposing an Alternative Approach to the current “first to contract, first to connect” arrangements to unlock potential barriers to connection. The Alternative Approach, which is also subject to regulatory approval, would see capacity allocated on a “ready to connect” basis. This will allow customers who are ready to connect to progress quicker; and ensure the new capacity is fully utilised.

Dave Gardner, Director of Transmission, said:

“After developing several proposals to provide a transmission reinforcement to Orkney over the years, submitting our Needs Case to Ofgem for regulatory approval is an important milestone.

“We would like to thank our customers, the Orkney community and other key stakeholders for working closely and constructively with us over the years, providing valuable feedback that has allowed us to progress the Needs Case and Alternative Approach submission.

“We strongly believe our proposals for Orkney represent a strong and compelling economic case for reinforcement and the best possible opportunity to unlock Orkney’s renewable potential. We now look forward to working constructively with Ofgem as they review our submission.”

SSEN is currently consulting on the principles, development and framework for the proposed Alternative Approach to the reinforcement of Orkney. The consultation is open until 12 March and can be found here.

The network infrastructure required to provide the transmission connection to Orkney is currently in development and is subject to planning approval. More information on the infrastructure project can be found here.

Roseanna Cunningham MSP paid a visit to SSE’s state of the art training centre in Perth today, marking the halfway point in National Apprenticeship Week and our campaign to encourage more young people to consider an apprenticeship as they decide what career path to take.

This week marks National Apprentice Week, which represents a major opportunity to highlight the talent of 190 apprentices currently doing a variety of skilled jobs across SSE Enterprise. This includes everything from electrical installation, heating and ventilation, to plumbing and power networks.